South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi is due to finish his month long residency at Coco Bodu Hithi this week. The artist uses a unique medium of creation; plastic, and is known to have pioneered “plastic painting” over his 25 year long career as an artist. His work has been featured and exhibited globally and is known as one of South Africa’s most original artists.
Mbongeni makes a bold statement by creating stunning artwork using plastic and a heat gun. He sees the medium as a metaphor for life stating, ““I use rubbish to create something beautiful from it. I collect something that has no value and give it new life. That’s what we can do with ourselves and our lives.” He encourages viewers of his work to ask questions, start conversations and broaden their perspectives.
He is in the Maldives as the first resident of the new art program “Nurture” by Coco Collection, a programme that encourages and seeks to aid development of artists who use their art towards the conservation of the environment and wildlife. Using art as a tool for education and awareness Coco Collection hopes to contribute towards the protection of the environment with this programme.
During his residency, Mbongeni worked on and finished a piece titled, “The Children of the Sea”, which depicts the culture and heritage of the Maldives as well as the relationship between Maldivians and the ocean. Additionally, the artist has also created 5 art pieces showcasing the marine life of the Maldives, which will be hung on the walkways of Coco Bodu Hithi.
He further held workshops for guests at the resort as well as students from Himmafushi School, with whom the resort also had a cleanup event to collect plastic. During the workshops, he shares his techniques and knowledge and allows attendees to explore and experiment with the technique. Along with the artworks inspired by the Maldives, curated pieces of Mbongeni’s previous work are also on display at the resort.